The Ultimate Guide to English Proverbs and Idioms for PTE Academic [2026]

Mastering the English proverbs and idioms on this page is crucial for PTE Academic candidates aiming for a high Lexical Resource score. These phrases directly impact your Lexical Resource mark in both the Speaking and Writing sections, demonstrating your command of natural English. You will confidently use sophisticated language to express complex ideas. This guide helps you sound more natural and achieve your target PTE score.

• Bite the bullet

  To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism.

  We have to bite the bullet and tell them the bad news.

• Call a Spade a Spade

  To speak plainly and directly, even if it means being blunt or saying something potentially unpleasant.

  I appreciate how my boss always calls a spade a spade; it makes communication very clear.

• Cut corners

  To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by omitting important steps or reducing quality.

  The builder was accused of cutting corners to save money on the construction project.

• Cry over spilt milk

  To express regret or distress over a past event that cannot be changed or undone.

  There's no point crying over spilt milk; we just need to learn from our mistakes and move forward.

• Every cloud has a silver lining

  Even difficult or unpleasant situations have some positive aspect.

  Losing my job was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining, and I found a role I truly love.

• Kill two birds with one stone

  To achieve two objectives or solve two problems with a single action or effort.

  By taking the express train, she could kill two birds with one stone: arrive at the meeting on time and finish her presentation during the commute.

• Look before you leap

  Consider the potential consequences carefully before taking action or making a significant decision.

  Before you quit your stable job to start a risky new business, you should really look before you leap and develop a solid financial plan.

• Many hands make light work

  This proverb signifies that when many people cooperate to complete a task, it becomes easier and quicker to accomplish.

  The entire village helped rebuild the barn after the storm, truly demonstrating that many hands make light work.